Community foundations are legally classified as public charities and must demonstrate that they enjoy broad public support. Thus, unlike private foundations (typically endowed by one source), community foundations must continually raise funds from many donors. Community foundations' dual role as fundraiser and grantmaker within this legal context is key to understanding how they approach effectiveness and the challenges and opportunities that they face. Study findings indicate that community foundations need to develop and articulate a more specific and realistic definition of effectiveness that is consistent with their mission. After presenting the findings, the paper suggests one approach.

In the latest GIA Podcast we speak with 2017 GIA Conference committee chair Regina Smith (The Kresge Foundation) and committee member and Detroit native Sharnita Johnson (Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation) about Detroit, and what to expect when visiting the city.